Chapter 47 (1/2)

Two weeks before the Court Hearing…

The Emperor, Qin YiJun returned to the palace and went straight to his study in order to read his memorials. It was only close to sundown did he stop doing his work. Just as he put down his brush after writing a few reports, the shadow guard called An Yi came bringing news of his investigation.

“Your Majesty, this slave has followed the young lady as ordered and found out that she is currently living at the Xia family household. She is betrothed to the Xia Patriarch’s son and will soon be wed together. But just a few days ago, the Patriarch of the Xia family had requested to have a court hearing. Apparently, the guests that were staying with them were attacked by assassins,” An Yi then proceeded to give out a detailed report about what happened.

“Also, there is a young man that has a striking resemblance with Xinglan Wang and this slave believes that he is the same young man that had bumped into His Majesty today,” the shadow guard added. He knew how important Li FangMing was to the Emperor and any news that may be related to him must be reported to the Emperor right away.

“Do you think that person is Li FangMing?” Qin YiJun asked. Though his expression didn’t change, he was praying in his heart that it was indeed Li FangMing.

“This slave is not sure… the people within the Xia household refers to him as Lin Xiao. When this slave wanted to go and investigate further, this slave was stopped by three fierce tigers who seems to be guarding the two guests.”

“Tigers?” Qin YiJun then remembered the report he received two years ago when he went to rescue Li FangMing. The soldiers had also mentioned tigers back then. ‘Is it really Ming-er? Or is it just a coincidence?’ Qin YiJun wondered.

“An Yi, you mentioned that the patriarch of the Xia family requested for a court hearing? Find out when they will be called to court. Zhen will go and see this person,” Qin YiJun said before he dismissed the shadow guard.

As a result, two weeks later, the Emperor made a surprise visit to the Imperial Court which made the officials who worked there shake in fear. Qin YiJun only brought a few people with him as he did not wish to raise any commotion by his visit.

He had only taken a mere ten-step from the entrance when an official with purple robes hurried over to greet the Emperor. Based on the patterns on his robes, it can be seen that he held the highest position in this Imperial Court.

“This minister sees the Emperor! May the Emperor live for ten thousand years!” the official kowtowed to the Emperor and the rest of the officials followed him.

“En. The beloved minister and officials may rise,” Qin YiJun said and the officials who were kowtowing on the ground slowly stood up one by one. “Beloved minister, Zhen wish to ask if the Xia family has arrived for their court hearing or not. If they have, Zhen wishes to know which hall they are in.”

“This…” the one with the highest rank was none other than the Minister of Justice. He was just relaxing in his office this morning and most of the work was left to his assistant to handle. Matters regarding the Xia family, he really did not know.

“Do you not know?” Qin YiJun asked, eyes narrowing at the minister in a dangerous manner.

The Minister of Justice began to shake in fear, but luckily his assistant came to his rescue. The assistant whispered into his ear before retreating a few steps. Only then did the Minister of Justice regained confidence to answer the Emperor.

“Answering to the Emperor, the Xia family is currently hearing their court procession at the Hall of the Star. Please allow this minister to be your guide,” the minister said as he bowed deeply towards the Emperor.

“There is no need. Zhen will be able to find the way. All of you, return to your post,” Qin YiJun said as he waved his sleeves, dismissing the officials that surrounds him.

Since the Emperor has ordered so, they can only lower their head and return to do their work.

Back inside the Hall of the Star, Lin Xiao’s expression had turned extremely ugly. Elder Xiang’s glib tongue had managed to drag out the procession and he was getting more and more impatient. More and more questions were aimed towards him and Long YinLian as if they were the ones who is guilty.